Lockdown arrests double in level 4

NATIONAL NEWS - Since the beginning of the the lockdown 230 000 people have been arrested for various contraventions of the lockdown regulations.

This was confirmed this afternoon by National Police Minister, Bheki Cele, during a media briefing on the levels of compliance with the country's lockdown regulations.

According to Cele there were 107 000 complaints to the police and 118 000 people were charged with contravening regulations during level 5.

“This number had more than doubled to about 230 000 for contraventions that included liquor and tobacco-related offenses, as well as illegal gatherings, amongst others, within a month. The highest number almost mirrors the provincial infection rates with the Western Cape in the lead, followed by the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng,” he said.

Cele said that since the relaxation of the lockdown regulations to level 4, the police had noted a slight increase in crimes not related to lockdown regulations. However, serious crimes have decreased immensely.

The country’s murder rate went down by 63,9% with a difference of 1 898 less murders than the same time last year. A total of 4 431 (82,8%) rape cases have been reported and attempted murder cases decreased by 1 439 (56%). Cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm decreased by 17 796 while aggravated robbery went down by 9 427 (63,6%).

He remained mum about the lift of the ban on alcohol and cigarettes and said that it is up to the relevant minister and/or the president to make announcements pertaining to the ban.

He did however say that the ban on alcohol has more to do with ensuring there are enough beds in hospitals available to treat coronavirus patients.

When asked about the fact that there are seemingly less road blocks since the beginning of the month, Cele said that with the lift on the restrictions of movement, there will be fewer roadblocks.

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